The Grown Up Playroom: Designing for Imagination, Not Age

When most people think of a playroom, the image that springs to mind is usually a riot of colour, plastic toys, and messy floors. A space designed solely for children. It’s loud, chaotic, and purely functional. But what if we shifted that perspective?

What if a playroom wasn’t just a room for kids, but a creative sanctuary for all ages? A space where imagination, curiosity, and joy could flourish, regardless of years lived?

At Maché Interiors, we believe in the grown up playroom: a thoughtfully designed space that blends function with beauty, practicality with inspiration. A room where tactile materials, thoughtful layouts, and personal touches invite everyone in the family to play, explore, and unwind, not just the children.

Play Is for Everyone

Play isn’t a stage of childhood; it’s a vital part of human wellbeing at every age. For adults, play might mean reading, crafting, imagining, or simply a place to decompress. Designing a grown up playroom means acknowledging these needs and creating a space that feels as inviting to a parent or teenager as it does to a toddler.

Key Elements of the Grown-Up Playroom

1. Flexible Layouts: The adult playroom needs to be multifunctional. Incorporate modular furniture that can shift to accommodate craft projects one day, reading nooks the next, or a chill-out zone for movie nights. Think poufs, lightweight tables, and storage that’s as stylish as it is practical.

2. Thoughtful Materials and Textures: Ditch the plastic and opt for natural, tactile materials that invite touch and soothe the senses. Velvet cushions, woven baskets, wooden toys or sculptures, and soft rugs all add layers of comfort and sophistication.

3. Calm, Coordinated Colour Palettes: Avoid the overwhelming brightness of typical kids’ spaces by choosing a more muted or tonal palette that feels grown-up but playful. Soft olives, warm ochres, gentle blues, or even monochrome schemes allow the imagination to roam without visual overload.

4. Personal and Creative Details: This is a room to celebrate personality. Display treasured books, meaningful objects, inspiring art, or collections that tell a story. Allowing children to contribute to the styling creates a sense of ownership and pride.

Balancing Joy and Order

One of the biggest challenges in any play space is maintaining balance: creating a joyful environment without chaos taking over. Storage solutions that blend into the design, such as built-in shelving, stylish baskets, or hidden compartments help keep clutter at bay without compromising style.

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of the grown-up playroom is that its timelessness. Designed with care, it evolves with the family, adapting as needs shift, from play dates and homework sessions to creative retreats and quiet downtime.

A place the family will always enjoy coming back to...